Primary school pair edge towards closure

TWO primary schools in the Castle Douglas area that have been in mothball status limbo are now a step nearer closing for good.

Carsphairn Primary and Nursery, along with Palnackie, are to progress to statutory consultation ahead of proposed closures. This was agreed by councillors at Dumfries and Galloway Council’s education, skills, and community wellbeing committee last week.

An update report on Carsphairn Primary and Nursery was tabled which explained that a public drop-in event was held at Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn on April 13. Eight members of the community, including parents, attended and shared their aspirations for a potential community asset transfer of the school building in future.

Louise Rae, the council’s school estate specialist, wrote in the report: “The community was overwhelmingly in support of the school closing or having an alternative use, 30 per cent of respondents to the survey wanted the school to have an alternative use, 60 per cent wanted the school to close.”

There are currently nine children of P1-P7 age living within the catchment area of Carsphairn Primary, all of whom now attend Dalry Primary. The council report states that several families in the area would not consider enrolling their children at Carsphairn Primary School and Nursery.

Their reasons were quoted as “established friendships” and that “the community cannot generate the numbers required to create a stable school roll”. Another key response was: “The school would be too small if reopened.”One respondent was in favour of reopening.

Public meetings were held at Palnackie Primary to discuss options and gather responses from the community in a survey. The council report states: “The community was overwhelmingly in support of the building having an alternative use, with 79 per cent of respondents supporting this option.

“Those present were informed that members would be asked to agree to the commencement of the statutory consultation process for closure.”

The statutory consultation for school closures must take place over a minimum of six weeks, and must be clearly communicated to all relevant consultees, including parents, parent councils, and Education Scotland so that they can properly review these final plans.